Living Green

Australia

Reducing the impact of climate change is the underlying subject of this stamp
issue, which focuses on everyday actions we can take to reduce unnecessary energy and water use. "Living green" is becoming less of a choice and more of a necessity, as we face rising temperatures, unpredictable weather and the destruction of natural habitats as a result of our unsustainable use of natural resources.

Save water

:

Water restrictions in many Australian cities and the depletion of the
Murray-Darling river system have made us more aware of our water
consumption habits. We are now more likely to use recycled or "grey"
water or collect rainwater. Other effective ways to save water include fixing
dripping taps and installing energy-efficient appliances. Importantly, using
less hot water significantly reduces our household carbon emissions.

Reduce waste

:

This stamp alerts us to the entire waste cycle. To be more sustainable, we
need to think about what we consume as well as what we throw out. For
example, we can make better use of resources and save money in the long run
if we buy reusable rather than single-use or over-packaged goods. Recycling can help us recover useful materials. It reduces the consumption of raw materials and can reduce energy usage, and hence greenhouse gas emissions.

Travel smart

:

One third of household greenhouse gas emissions come from travelling by car
for work or recreation. Increased car use also aggravates traffic congestion,
air pollution and noise pollution, as well as health problems due to lack of
excercise. There are many alternatives, a couple of which are illustrated
on this stamp. We can bike, walk or get public transport to work or to the
shops, or we can use the phone or email instead of running around in the car.
Carpooling and "park-and-ride" commuting can minimise emissions when we
do drive.

Save energy

:

One fifth of greenhouse gas in Australia is emitted through the household use of electricity. We can minimise emissions by turning off appliances at the wall rather than leaving them on standby, replacing inefficient lightbulbs with
compact fluorescent lights, moderating our thermostats, insulating our homes
and using natural methods to heat and cool our homes.

Technical Information

Issue Date: 2008-07-08

FDI Withdrawal Date: 2008-08-05

Denominations: Four x 50c

Designer: Hoyne Design

Printer: Energi Print

Printer (self-adhesive): Pemara/McKellar Renown

Paper: Tullis Russell

Paper (self-adhesive): 40080 WLKI KN75/B110 double sided

Printing Process: Lithography

Size: 37.5mm x 26mm

Performations: 13.86 x 14.6

Sheet Layout: 50

Special Feature: Double sided booklet of 20 x 50c

National Postmark: Greenacres, SA 5086

copyright notice: This material has been reproduced with permission of the Australian Postal Corporation. The original work is held in the National Philatelic Collection.